To study the influence of cover depth, ground loss ratio, and particle gradation on the stratum deformation of shield tunnelling in sand, a model test system was designed, which consisted of a test model box, tunnel excavation simulation, and non-contact measurement system. This test system was used to research 10 experimental conditions. The test model box was an open box, which was made up of a tempered glass, bottom steel plate, and rigid frame while the sandy layer was made of completely dried sand. The shield excavation process was simulated by a small cylindrical transmission, which could precisely control the ground loss ratio. The formation changes were monitored by a video measurement system during the test process. First, the results show that with an increase in cover depth, the soil disturbance range gradually expands to both sides, and the maximum settlement value of the ground surface gradually decreases. Settlement through the width increases significantly and the core settlement area above the tunnel decreases gradually as it approaches the depth of the arch. Secondly, there is an obvious linear relationship between stratum deformation and ground loss ratio. Thirdly, the larger the sand particle size, the smaller the maximum settlement value of the ground surface, and the larger the settlement through width. When the ratio of maximum particle size to minimum particle size is constant, the maximum settlement decreases with the increase of particle size of sand. When the maximum particle size is constant, maximum settlement increases with the increase of particle size range in the range of stratum settlement. Finally, the results show the surface settlement curves under different cover depths, ground loss ratios, and particle gradations have similar Gaussian distribution, which drops sharply toward the middle line of the tunnel and gradually becomes slower toward the distance, similar to the law of stratum deformation. © 2021, Editorial Department of China Journal of Highway and Transport. All right reserved.